I have a 2018 Lionel locomotive with an E Unit which does not respond to power interupts…except at > 16 volts. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.
LocoPops
Could be mechanical–something binding or stiff.
Could be electrical–shorted turns on the coil. If you have a DC supply available, try operating it with that. If it operates at a much lower voltage, shorted turns are the problem and you will probably have to rewind the coil, or just replace the unit.
I have a postwar 2034 that had the same problem. I found that the E-unit drum was very stiff when I tried to turn it by hand. The problem was that the 2 metal sides of the E-unit were pressing tightly against the sides of the drum where axle of the drum are located. By inserting a small screwdriver between the drum and the metal sides, I was able to add just a tiny bit of extra clearance. Be careful because the drum axle is made of plastic. The E-unit has been functioning fine ever since.
David,
Sounds like a real possibility. I had the shell off to fix a loose wire. And I had a heck of a time tucking all those wires back in. I probably got too many of them along side of the E Unit, and they might be squeezing it.
I will investigate. Thanks.
LocoPops
I think you will find that there’s quite a bit of variance among repro parts such as an e-unit drum. I’ve had the problem you spoke about very early when doing repairs. I soon realized that my replacement drums were a little out of spec if you will. Some are a wee bit too big in places. See if you can take a small pointed stick and rotate it carefully. It should move fairly easily. If not, I very carefully take out a small out of plastic around the plastic side studs. Be careful with your trimming otherwise you’ll be out a drum.
good Luck.
MIke S.
Guys, Thanks for the advice. I thought that would be it. But that drum moves nice and easy.
I noticed that it doesn’t even get that buzz sound below 15 volts. Like its not even on.
LocoPops
Have you tried the DC test?
Bob,
I didn’t know you could to that. Would a 6 or 12 volt battery do?
LocoPops
A car battery could power the whole locomotive. With a small battery, you might want to disconnect the motor and power just the e-unit. One way to do that easily is to remove one of the motor brushes. Lionel trains originally ran on DC and did at least through the postwar era; I can’t speak for modern stuff. The whistle will want to blow; but just take the tender off the track.
Bob,
Thanks for the idea. I’ll give it a try.
LocoPops
If you use a car battery, put a fuse in series with it or else be very careful. If short-circuited, they can put out current that will vaporize any wire or track you are likely to be using.